Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct typing experiences worth considering. The NovelKeys Blueberry stands out for its sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 features a smooth linear action with a unique POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a satisfying typing experience. While the Blueberry switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Textured', the Sky V4 is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material is significantly stronger than POM, offering wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance exceeding Nylon by 2.3 times. While the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing focuses on sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and longevity.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the NovelKeys Blueberry also incorporates a POM material for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the top housing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky V4 allows for a distinct typing experience for users. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the POK material of the Dareu Sky V4 provides a smoother and more durable feel compared to the POM material of the NovelKeys Blueberry. The Nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 contributes to a deeper sound profile, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch differ significantly in weight. The NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to individuals with varying preferences in terms of typing feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Dareu Sky V4, while users seeking a heavier push may lean towards the NovelKeys Blueberry for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a longer distance of 4 mm compared to the Sky V4's 3.6 mm. The Blueberry offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sky V4 provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking faster response times and a more quick and light keystroke experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the NovelKeys Blueberry offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial feel, and the Sky V4 providing a slightly shorter distance for those seeking a quicker and lighter typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
The Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a deeper but not overly loud sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky sound with a deep, rich tone that complements its smooth linear action. While both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, the Blueberry switch offers a sharper, more mellow tone, whereas the Sky V4 switch delivers a satisfying and immersive auditory experience with its thocky sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its snappy, buttery, and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a lively and responsive typing sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives keys a rebound effect when pressed. While the Blueberry switch offers a textured and stiff typing experience, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its bouncy and lively feel, creating a different tactile sensation for typists to enjoy.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, suitable for those who prefer a deep and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action for a rich and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature and a medium-light bottom out force, the Dareu Sky V4 switch would suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
